Mercy (Signature Select) [Mass Market Paperback]

Jean Brashear (Author)

Book Description

Series: Signature Select | Publication Date: May 1, 2005

IT'S TIME FOR THE TRUTH

Twenty years ago, Lucas Walker was seventeen, in love with Tansy Gerard—and framed for the murder of Tansy's twin brother. Lucas's part-Cherokee heritage, "bad seed" reputation and desperate need to protect Tansy made him an easy target to take the rap. Now, on the eve of his release from Attica, Lucas discovers Tansy is about to be married to her father's most trusted advisor and friend, the rich and powerful Carlton Sanford…the man who framed him.

Lucas returns to Manhattan only to find Tansy reclusive and ethereal—lost in a world where her brother is still alive. Secret meetings with Tansy are a balm to Lucas's scarred soul, yet his very presence could shatter the illusion that keeps Tansy safe. But Sanford is dangerous, so Lucas must take the risk and prove what really happened that fateful night. Or Tansy will be lost to him forever….

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373836503
• ISBN-13: 978-0373836505
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,184,683 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

USAToday and Kindle bestselling author of 28 novels in romance and women's fiction, a three-time RITA finalist and Romantic Times BOOKReviews Career Achievement Award winner, Jean Brashear knows a lot about taking crazy chances. A lifelong avid reader, at the age of forty-five with no experience and no training, she decided to see if she could write a book. It was a wild leap that turned her whole life upside down, but she would tell you that though she's never been more terrified, she's never felt more exhilarated or more alive. She's an ardent proponent of not putting off your dreams until that elusive 'someday'--take that leap now.

What They're Saying about The Goddess of Fried Okra:

"Jean Brashear's distinctive storytelling voice instantly draws in the reader. She writes with warmth and emotional truth. The depth of her understanding of human nature marks her as a writer to watch, a writer to read and a writer to enjoy."~#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

"Jean Brashear's wholly original, funny and poignant novel has a heart as big as Texas. Told in a warm and intimate voice, it's like a road trip with your best friend. Don't miss it!" ~#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs

"Jean Brashear has that "it" factor. She is an incredibly talented writer who can hit every note with enough clarity to bring the reader tears, laughter, or just, "Oh, my, this is an amazing story." THE GODDESS OF FRIED OKRA is stunning, powerful and raw. Pea is on a journey to heal herself, and find herself--and you will want to go with her to find her dear, dead sister--I do." ~New York Times bestselling author Stella Cameron

"With characters full of heart...and vinegar, Jean Brashear takes us on a road trip through the back doors of modern life. And we get to read every hysterical marker on the way." ~ USAToday bestselling author Pamela Morsi

"THE GODDESS OF FRIED OKRA is a poignant journey of one woman's search for a place to belong. The characters are as delightful and engaging as can be found between the pages of a book, and the book itself is a road map to happiness - something for which everybody yearns." ~New York Times bestselling author Sharon Sala

"A wonderfully engaging story of one woman's search for self. Jean Brashear tugs on your heartstrings and won't let go." ~New York Times bestselling author Julia London

"THE GODDESS OF FRIED OKRA is a fabulous read. Riveting. Original. Those characters grabbed my imagination and didn't let go." ~New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars tense romantic suspense, May 4, 2005

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mercy (Signature Select) (Mass Market Paperback)

Lucas Walker soon will be a free man after spending twenty years in Attica for murder and rape. He survived his incarceration only due to the MERCY letter sent to him two decades ago by the late Juliette Gerard, mother of both the man he was convicted of killing and the woman he allegedly raped. When Lucas learns that the rape victim Tansy Gerard is marrying Carlton Sanford, expected to be named Ambassador to England, he concludes he must warn her that she must never wed the man who framed him to take the fall for the homicide of her twin and the rape of her.

After being released, Lucas travels to New York City knowing he will not be welcomed by the Gerard family and risking making a prophet out of the guard who taunted him that he will be back. He secretly meets Tansy and tries to persuade her that he never harmed her or her sibling. Tansy wants to believe the man she loved, but the evidence is overwhelmingly contrary; besides which the manipulative Carlton sets in motion a scheme to return Lucas to prison with the key tossed away.

This tense romantic suspense works because the cast seems genuine although most seemingly carry the weight of the world on their shoulders yet the amazement of MERCY is that Jean Brasher never allows the plot to turn into a soap opera. The story line is fast-paced as Lucas has two objectives: to save Tansy from the monster and to bring back the smile and élan to his beloved that he still remembers when they were teenage lovers.

Harriet Klausner